Black and white patterned soft paste porcelain plate, c. 1850. Commemorative "Texian Campaigne" tableware depicting a battle scene from the War with Mexico. This series was produced by Anthony Shaw, designed by "J.B" and made in Burslem, Staffordshire, England for the American trade.
M62.1.2
Gift of Mrs. Herbert Gambrell

Brown and ivory patterned soft paste porcelain platter, c. 1850. Commemorative "Texian Campaigne" tableware depicting a battle scene from the War with Mexico. The border incorporates medallions depicting the goddess Ceres and war trophies. The center transfer design is taken from a lithograph of an American battle victory.
M51.11.1
Gift of Mrs. Leslie Waggener

On December 29, 1845, U.S. President James K. Polk signed a congressional act that annexed Texas to the United States. The last President of the Republic of Texas, Anson Jones, relinquished executive authority to the first Governor of the State of Texas, J. Pinckney Henderson, in an official ceremony on February 19, 1846. As the Texas flag was lowered and the U.S. flag was raised, Jones announced "The final act in this great drama is now performed; the Republic of Texas is no more."

The annexation of Texas thrust the United States into a political argument with Mexico. Mexico had never formally recognized the independence of Texas. For this reason, Mexico claimed that Texas could not become a part of the U.S. Mexico further stated that any attempts to annex Texas would be considered as an act of aggression towards Mexico, an act that could result in military activity.

The Army of the United States was immediately sent to secure the border between Texas and Mexico, while at the same time a diplomatic solution was being sought. When diplomatic efforts failed, both nations prepared for war. On April 23, 1846, a detachment of Mexican Dragoons crossed the Rio Grande and attacked a small force of American soldiers. On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress formally declared war on Mexico, stating that "American blood had been shed on the American soil." Mexico denied this claim stating that the Texas border was the Nueces River, and not the Rio Grande. They contended that the United States had actually invaded Mexico by crossing the Nueces.

Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver. Roll engraved cyclinder scene depicting a battle between the Texan and Mexican navies.
M40.95.18 Gift of A. W. Macon

The U.S. Army moved quickly through Mexico, meeting little effective resistance. By September 1847, the army had captured Mexico City and forced a surrender. In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, which ended the war, Mexico accepted the Rio Grande as the boundary. In return, the United States agreed to assume the claims of its citizens against that nation up to $5 million. Mexico also ceded to the United States the provinces of New Mexico and upper California for the payment of $15 million.

Dress sword. Given to Capt. Jefferson Peak of the 36^th Kentucky Cavalry at the Battle of Buena Vista in 1846. M41.1.1
Gift of Lillie Peak Jones